Forest School

We are very fortunate that our large school site enables us to have a forest school. Our two forest school leaders, Anne and Hayette, take groups of children into our nature area to explore and develop their understanding of the natural world.

Forest School is offered to all our learners, from Nursery to Year 6, on a rolling basis. Sessions include tree identification, leaf rubbing, creating art using natural materials, fire safety and cooking in our fire pit, using tools to create structures, den and shelter building, and of course everyone's favourite, climbing trees! The children observe the changes over the four seasons and to identify the wildlife that lives in our local environment. Our Forest School connects the children to their natural environment and helps them understand how we can use, learn and protect it.

Ms Bruce enjoys toasting marshmallows with our forest school leaders Anne and Hayette

The six key principles of forest school are:

1. Forest School is a long-term process of regular sessions, rather than one-off or infrequent visits. The cycle of planning, observation, adaptation and review links each session.
2. Forest School takes place in a natural or woodland environment to support the development of a lifelong relationship between the learner and the natural world.
3. Forest School aims to promote the holistic development of all involved, fostering resilient, confident, independent and creative learners.
4. Forest School offers learners the opportunity to take supported risks appropriate to the environment and to themselves.
5. Forest School is run by qualified Forest School practitioners, who continuously maintain and develop their professional practice.
6. Forest School uses a range of learner-centred processes to create a community for being, development and learning.